Program in Master's in Journalism

Course Schedule for Fall 2017

Show
MPJO-756-01

Advanced Beat Reporting

This class gives students advanced real-world skills that prepares them for a newsroom job directly after graduation. Students will hone interviewing techniques, mine documents and learn beat-management and source development skills from some of the best reporters in the country. This hands-on class is heavy on coaching and peer review and mirrors the assignments that journalists face in newsrooms big and small.

Note: Students must have the prerequisites of MPJO 500 and MPJO 501 to enroll.

  • Course #: MPJO-756-01
  • CRN: 32564
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Apuzzo, M.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-776-01

Data Visualization

This class is designed to teach students practical skills in visualizing and analyzing cultural and social datasets. Students will be also introduced to other popular tools for creating interactive web-based visualizations.

Note: Students must have the prerequisites of MPJO 505 and MPJO 508 to enroll.

  • Course #: MPJO-776-01
  • CRN: 32566
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructors: Emamdjomeh, A. , Gamio, L.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-505-01

Digital Essentials for Journalists

This course examines the essential digital skills needed in the field of journalism today. We will study the current media landscape to help students understand how digital skills and sensibilities are integrated with reporting, content creation, information dissemination and audience building efforts at news organizations of all sizes. The course involves a survey of key issues affecting the day-to-day work of modern journalists, as well as an examination of emerging technologies, platforms and ideas. Case studies, readings, media surveillance and guest lectures will help students learn the core skills needed to broaden their career opportunities; to add to their fundamental reporting background; and to think entrepreneurially about how to shape journalism. The final project will consist of a semester-long, team-created digital project that implements the full range of skills covered in the course. Students will: • learn practical, effective and applicable digital skills • create and distribute original content • investigate how individuals build traditional or unique journalism careers • develop and debate ideas using a collaborative, interactive team approach • display learning in class discussions, writing assignments and the final project This course is required for all MPS Journalism students. In order to satisfy graduation requirements, students must earn a B (3.00) or higher. Any student who fails to do so must repeat the course.

Note: Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B"or better. The course requires additional 150 minutes distance learning.

  • Course #: MPJO-505-01
  • CRN: 25923
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructors: Reddy, S. , Magan Crane
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-786-01

Entrepreneurial Journalism

Most courses in the MPS Journalism program focus on the development of great content. This course focuses on the distribution and monetization of content. We will examine the core business concepts of the evolving media landscape to help students understand how to develop and evaluate entrepreneurial pursuits in journalism. Along the way, we will provide students with an ability to steer their careers toward opportunities with legitimate business potential. Case studies, readings, media surveillance and guest lectures will help students take an entrepreneurial view of their careers, with particular emphasis on how to build audience, distribute content and monetize with smart business models. Journalists who understand these issues will be better positioned to make informed career decisions and to discern opportunities in a range of media-related industries-­whether they choose to pursue an entrepreneurial venture or not. The coursework involves abroad examination of issues affecting media careers, as well as specific focus on a subject area of the student’s choosing. Students will learn - through reading, analysis and experimentation – how to drive their own success or to maximize their opportunities within a larger media company. The final project will consist of a detailed competitive analysis and formal business plan outlining audience, content and monetization strategies (the target can be a new website or refining an existing one).

Note: Additional 150 min distance learning required. Students need prerequisites of MPJO 501 and MPJO 505. This course examines the media landscape to help students answer the critical question: How should you approach your media career in the rapidly evolving digital age? Case studies, readings, media surveillance and guest lectures will help students develop an entrepreneurial view of their careers, with particular emphasis on how to grow audience, distribute content and monetize with smart business models. Journalists who understand these issues will be better positioned to make informed career decisions and to discern opportunities in a range of media-related industries. The coursework involves a broad examination of issues affecting media careers, as well as focused research on a subject area of the student’s choosing. Students will learn – through reading, analysis and experimentation – how to drive their own success or to maximize their opportunities within a larger media company.

  • Course #: MPJO-786-01
  • CRN: 31318
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Brodbeck, S.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-500-01

Ethics in Journalism

Ethics in journalism is not a list of DOs and DON’Ts tacked above your desk that you refer to when someone hands you stolen documents. Ethics in journalism is a series of decisions you make constantly, every day, in the routine exercise of you work. How many sources are enough for this story? What are the implications of referring to “campaign cash” instead of “campaign donations”? How much of the defendant’s quote should I use? This class is therefore intended to explore the myriad grey areas that dominate the way journalists work and live, the blurry lines that divide right from wrong, or, more accurately, divide “probably should” from “probably shouldn’t.” The goal of the class is to help you understand the ethical implications of the choices journalists make, to empower you to navigate the ethical minefield of attempting every day to explain to the world the activities of other people. This course is required for all MPS Journalism students, and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Students must earn a B (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

Note: Core requirement for the MPS degree. This course requires a grade of "B" or better. Additional 150 min. distance learning required. It’s often said that journalists are the eyes and ears for a public that can’t be everywhere at once. That role comes with responsibilities for delivering the news accurately and fairly. And it comes with pressures, in the ever-changing media environment, to get the story first. Sometimes, those two collide. Journalists are confronted with ethical dilemmas on a routine basis. But there’s no black-and-white answer for many of them. This class is therefore intended to explore the myriad gray areas that dominate the way journalists work and live, the blurry lines that divide right from wrong, or, more accurately, divide “probably should” from “probably shouldn’t.” And, it will examine why ethical journalists sometimes come down on opposite sides of an issue. The class is designed to help you understand the ethical implications of the choices journalists make, to empower you to navigate the ethical minefield of attempting every day to explain to the world the activities of other people. This course is required for all MPS Journalism students, and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Students must earn a B (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements. The goal of the class is to help you understand the ethical implications of the choices journalists make, to empower you to navigate the ethical minefield of attempting every day to explain to the world the activities of other people. This course is required for all MPS Journalism students, and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Students must earn a B (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

  • Course #: MPJO-500-01
  • CRN: 26011
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Van Dam, B.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-900-01

MPS Journalism Capstone

The Master of Professional Studies Journalism degree program culminates in the Capstone. Each student produces a substantive and original reporting project on a timely issue that showcases his/her talents as a prospective journalist. It should be a major work of professional quality that requires extensive legwork, interviewing and research and will become the centerpiece of your portfolio. The Capstone experience is intended to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate that they have the journalistic skills, ethics and initiative necessary to be a professional journalist. The Capstone project is an independent reporting endeavor. Class sessions provide feedback and structure. Group instructors will give you guidance throughout the semester, and your small groups will serve as mini-newsrooms where you will be expected to give each other feedback and support. Successful completion of the MPSJ degree also requires submitting an ethics essay that reflects on your firsthand experience as a journalist. The essay will be graded as one of the assignments in the Capstone class. This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details. Students with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA who receive a final grade of a B- or below may receive one opportunity to retake the course, if approved by the dean.

Note: Core requirement for the MPS degree. This course requires a grade of "B" or better to pass. The Master of Professional Studies Journalism degree program culminates in the capstone. Each student produces a substantive and original reporting project on a timely issue that showcases his/her talents as a journalist. It should be a major work of professional quality that requires extensive legwork, interviewing and research and will become the centerpiece of your portfolio. The capstone experience is intended to ensure that you have the journalistic skills, ethics, and initiative necessary to be a professional journalist. Students will choose a faculty advisor to meet with individually in addition to class sessions. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Narrow down and sharpen the focus of a timely story idea 2. Demonstrate reporting enterprise and initiative 3. Produce a professional quality story that utilizes at least two media platforms 4. Address ethical issues that arise in your reporting The course is open only to MPS Journalism students who are in their final semester of the program. A minimum grade of "B" (3.00) or higher is required of students in the MPS Journalism Capstone to graduate regardless of their cumulative GPA.

  • Course #: MPJO-900-01
  • CRN: 14996
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructors: Feldman, C. , Van Dam, B.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-860-02

MPS Journalism Internship

Internships are a great way for students to gain real-world experiences and network with professionals in the field. Many employers require at least some internship experience to appear on a student’s resume. Taking on an internship while in the MPS Journalism program can help students integrate and enhance the skills they are learning in the classroom with professional, hands-on experiences. Students must participate in the internship according to the guidelines furnished by the employer, and they will be required to submit a weekly 500 word writing assignment reflecting on the successes and challenges of the internship. At the end of each semester, the student’s supervisor must complete an evaluation of the student’s performance, and submit it directly to the MPS Journalism program. ** Students must receive approval from the MPS Journalism program prior to enrolling in the Internship class.

Note: Extensive, documented academic activity and experiential learning outside of classroom (min. 6-8 hours per week) is required.

  • Course #: MPJO-860-02
  • CRN: 25462
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Van Dam, B.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-860-01

MPS Journalism Internship

Internships are a great way for students to gain real-world experiences and network with professionals in the field. Many employers require at least some internship experience to appear on a student’s resume. Taking on an internship while in the MPS Journalism program can help students integrate and enhance the skills they are learning in the classroom with professional, hands-on experiences. Students must participate in the internship according to the guidelines furnished by the employer, and they will be required to submit a weekly 500 word writing assignment reflecting on the successes and challenges of the internship. At the end of each semester, the student’s supervisor must complete an evaluation of the student’s performance, and submit it directly to the MPS Journalism program. ** Students must receive approval from the MPS Journalism program prior to enrolling in the Internship class.

Note: Extensive, documented academic activity and experiential learning outside of classrom (min. 3-4 hours per week) is required.

  • Course #: MPJO-860-01
  • CRN: 20378
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Van Dam, B.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-891-02

Personal Branding (Cross-listed with MPPR 891)

ambiguous ingredients in a career strategy. This course will arm students with the resources to evaluate, improve, and employ personal branding strategies for themselves and for key members of their organizational team. The course will discuss personal branding strategies in both digital and event contexts – including social media platforms, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Note: Cross-listed with MPMC-891-02 and MPPR 891-02

  • Course #: MPJO-891-02
  • CRN: 29492
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Blymire, C.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-891-01

Personal Branding (Cross-listed with MPPR 891)

ambiguous ingredients in a career strategy. This course will arm students with the resources to evaluate, improve, and employ personal branding strategies for themselves and for key members of their organizational team. The course will discuss personal branding strategies in both digital and event contexts – including social media platforms, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Note: Cross-listed with MPMC-891-01 and MPPR 891-01

  • Course #: MPJO-891-01
  • CRN: 30931
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Blymire, C.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-508-01

Video Journalism

This course is designed to give the student the ability to communicate in the Video Age--whether for television or the web. We call it storytelling to emphasize the communication of ideas, rather than simply the technical knowledge of shooting and editing video. Students will begin by learning how shots work together, how to write compelling scripts, and how to use audio for best effect. Then students will work with professional camera equipment to develop shooting, lighting, and audio skills. The class will also have hands-on instruction in editing techniques using Final Cut Pro. By the end of the course, students should be comfortable in the video storytelling process--from the flash of an idea, to the finished product on the screen, in the field, and in the studio. Students who entered the MPS Journalism program in Summer 2010 and thereafter must complete this class and receive a grade of solid "B" (3.00) or higher in order to graduate.

Note: Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better to pass. Additional 150 minute distance learning component required

  • Course #: MPJO-508-01
  • CRN: 26776
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Knapp, L.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-501-01

Reporting and News Writing

Journalism begins with basic reporting. This class focuses on the basics of beat reporting, one of the building blocks of any newsroom and journalism career. The class will also take a closer look at the reporting and writing process, from finding an idea to researching it, pitching it and executing it into a publishable article. Students will strive to become experts on the neighborhood they cover through old-school shoe leather reporting and will keep abreast of spot news while learning how to identify and pursue longer-form enterprise stories. The class will also have a Twitter handle and Facebook page — DChoods — where students will publish routinely and practice writing for social media and cultivating sources and finding story ideas using these new tools. The updates on Twitter and Facebook will not just be news stories, but also tidbits collected during visits to the neighborhood, which should be visited weekly at minimum. This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details.

Note: Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better. Students will learn the basics of news writing: how to write a powerful lead, how to gather and use sound bites and quotations effectively and how to produce compelling news stories. We will explore news values, interview techniques and master AP Style guidelines. Those looking to hone their reporting and communicating skills will find an abundance of hands-on practice. Students entering the MPS Journalism program in Summer 2010 and thereafter must complete this class and receive a grade of solid "B" (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

  • Course #: MPJO-501-01
  • CRN: 24121
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Beckwith, R.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-501-02   Canceled

Reporting and News Writing

Journalism begins with basic reporting. This class focuses on the basics of beat reporting, one of the building blocks of any newsroom and journalism career. The class will also take a closer look at the reporting and writing process, from finding an idea to researching it, pitching it and executing it into a publishable article. Students will strive to become experts on the neighborhood they cover through old-school shoe leather reporting and will keep abreast of spot news while learning how to identify and pursue longer-form enterprise stories. The class will also have a Twitter handle and Facebook page — DChoods — where students will publish routinely and practice writing for social media and cultivating sources and finding story ideas using these new tools. The updates on Twitter and Facebook will not just be news stories, but also tidbits collected during visits to the neighborhood, which should be visited weekly at minimum. This is a core course of the MPS Journalism program, and students must earn a “B” (83) or higher to pass the course. Please see the Graduate Student Handbook for more details.

Note: Foundation requirement for Journalism majors. This course requires a grade of "B" or better. Summer 2011 This course meets at the National Press Club. Students will learn the basics of news writing: how to find and report interesting stories, how to write quickly and concisely, and how to work in online, print and broadcast media. You will be drilled on standard journalism writing, Associated Press style, and news values, with lots of hands-on practice. This course will give students a solid foundation for further adventures in journalism. This course is required for all MPS Journalism students, and must be completed by the second semester in the program. Students must earn a B (3.00) or higher in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

  • Course #: MPJO-501-02
  • CRN: 32562
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Caldwell, A.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-770-01   Canceled

Sports Journalism

Summer 2008 Jeff Greenberg Sports Journalism A study of Sports Journalism and its applications in today's multi-faceted media world. Learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to covering sporting news, events, controversies, and the athletes who create them. Sports journalism has become a 24/7 business which requires a broad knowledge of subjects beyond the games. What are the elements necessary to create a good sports feature story? What is a basic approach to covering athletic stories that transcend sports? This course will draw upon many of the DC area's elite sports journalists to convey their experiences to the next generation of sportswriters/sportscasters. Students will be asked to produce "news and feature" sports stories that apply to various mediums. A final project will be produced and delivered in a selected medium.

Note: Students in MPJO must have the prerequisites of MPJO 500 and MPJO 501 to enroll. This is cross-listed with the SIM program. The SIM program will be allotted 9 spots in the course.

  • Course #: MPJO-770-01
  • CRN: 32565
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructors: Boren, C. , Falgoust, J.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-560-01

Strt Career Planning & Mgmt

Managing your career and continuing your professional development are cornerstones to success. Whether you are aspiring to your next promotion, searching for a new job, or changing industries, understanding the elements of strategic career planning and professional development will guide you toward your goals. In today’s world economy, learning and implementing these strategic are essential to both personal and professional well being and success. There are specific professional management strategies that will ensure preparedness, markateabability, and competitiveness for your next career move. Each week, we will focus key elements of strategic career development using the previous week’s readings and assignments, and by utilizing class activities that will demonstrate what you have learned. Individual participation and in-class assignments/presentations will be included to enhance the learning experience. This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools that can be customized and applied to your career and your vision for the future.

Note: Also listed as MPPR 560-01 & MPMC 560-01 This is a zero-credit, non-graded course. Students who miss more than two classes or more than one assignment will be administratively withdrawn from the course.

  • Course #: MPJO-560-01
  • CRN: 27932
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructor: Sunny Levitt
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
MPJO-510-01

Studio Reporting

This class gives Georgetown students the skills to produce high-quality studio shows throughout the semester. Students will be introduced to TV producing, develop scriptwriting abilities, as well as tackle advanced filming and editing techniques.

Note: Students must have the prerequisite of MPJO 508 to enroll.

  • Course #: MPJO-510-01
  • CRN: 32563
  • Format: On-campus
  • Instructors: Levine, J. , Shefte, W.
  • Dates: Aug 30 – Dec 20, 2017
  • Class Meetings:
Next: Faculty